Posted Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Meet Ellie. She is a student at Loveland Primary School; she is the youngest of my three children.

“Dad, do you know how big the government is?”

And, this is a typical question she will hit me with at dinner.

(Did I mention she is in second grade!)

That night at the dinner table, she was able to tell me the why to her question… because her teacher allowed her to explore books that Ellie found interesting. (Future politician? Time will tell.)

For me – when I was a second grader – it was text books, neat rows, raising my hand to speak (not that I did that often), the old movie projector, listening to lectures, completing workbook pages, taking tests, and a chalk board covered in dust… with a teacher at the head of the class giving instruction.

For Ellie the learning is more student-centered.

The practice Ellie’s teacher has implemented is part of a larger trend we are seeing in education. Education is evolving into a more student-centered environment with greater individual attention, and a personalization of the learning experience through technology. We are seeing the changes inside our Loveland classrooms, which trickle into surprising conversations with our students around the supper table.

As the educational leader of the district, I embrace the way learning is evolving. At Loveland, we will continue to shape a cooperative, purposeful learning experience for the students we serve. Teachers will spend time with smaller groups or individuals to help them grow at their own pace. And, technology will be used to enhance the educational opportunity both at school and at home.

It is a journey; we have not “arrived” at the destination… and – if we are doing it right – we never will.

This holiday season, I wish for you more time to spend around the dinner table with the ones you love – conversing, connecting, and yes – learning. And I leave you with this promise: At the Loveland City School District, the learning will never cease to evolve.